In the afternoon, layers of clouds gathered over the imperial city, obscuring the sunlight and making the weather unusually hot and humid.

After seeing Yao Zhan off, Xiao Huaijin stood alone in a garden inside the palace, his hands behind his back, staring at a patch of grass in front of him with green seedlings planted in it.

After a moment, he turned to Xiao Linzi and said, "I remember instructing the palace servants not to plant flowers or grow grass in the palace when we moved into Feihua Palace. What are these?"

Xiao Linzi, drenched in sweat, said nervously, "Your Majesty, these are honeysuckle, motherwort, and mugwort. They were all planted under Your Majesty's special instruction."

The weather was already gloomy and muggy, a harbinger of a storm. Occasionally, a hot breeze would blow, carrying the earthy and bitter smell of these Chinese medicinal herbs to Xiao Huaijin's side.

He wrinkled his nose and said coldly, "Pull them all out. My palace doesn't need these things."

"Long live the Emperor!"

As Xiao Huaijin was speaking, an elderly male voice sounded from behind him.

After kneeling and bowing, Physician Jiang rose and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, these herbs can not only repel mosquitoes, but their unique medicinal scent can also soothe the mind and brighten the eyes if you smell it for a long time. Wouldn't it be a pity to eradicate them all?"

Xiao Huaijin felt that Physician Jiang's words made some sense, and said calmly, "Since it is beneficial to me, let's keep it for now."

Imperial Physician Jiang's eyes flickered, thinking that His Majesty might want to remove it now, but he would regret it after regaining his memory.

It would be better to save these innocent little grasses now.

"Yes, sir," Physician Jiang replied.

"Imperial Physician Jiang, I have lost my memory and can't remember many things." Xiao Huaijin gazed into the distance and sighed wistfully. "I feel somewhat disoriented and uneasy. Does the Imperial Physician have any way to help me regain my memory as soon as possible?"

Upon hearing this, Physician Jiang clearly felt that Xiao Linzi's gaze suddenly sharpened.

He and Xiao Linzi were in the same boat, and the Empress Dowager was pulling them together.

If the emperor were told any method to regain his memory, the Empress Dowager could put her to death.

The life of an imperial physician is as insignificant as a blade of grass.

Jiang, the imperial physician, understood this principle as early as when his son was murdered by Consort Shu.

"Your Majesty, I have no solution," Physician Jiang replied, feigning shame as he lowered his hands.

"Never mind, I am the emperor now anyway. As long as Dayong is governed in an orderly manner, what does it matter if I lose some memories?" Xiao Huaijin waved his hand.

But a seed of doubt was planted in his heart.

He had just caught a glimpse of Xiao Linzi and Physician Jiang exchanging glances out of the corner of his eye.

After Physician Jiang answered his question, Xiao Linzi's body and aura instantly relaxed.

Is there some secret between them that they can't tell me?

Xiao Huaijin recalled that when he asked Zhu Ye what day he lost his memory and why, Zhu Ye had also given a stammering answer.

Since everyone was determined to keep it from him, he was even more determined to find a way to regain his memories.

"The Empress Dowager has arrived."

The eunuchs' shouts grew louder as they approached.

Xiao Huaijin withdrew his gaze from the distance and returned from the garden to the main hall to greet them.

"Grandmother, why are you here at this time?" Xiao Huaijin quickly performed a family greeting before stepping forward to support Xiao Shi's right arm. "It's hot outside, Grandmother, please go back inside and rest."

"No need. Let me accompany Jin'er for a stroll in the garden. Although it's early autumn, the weather is still quite muggy at times." After slowly descending the steps, Madam Xiao turned to Xiao Huaijin and smiled, "People need to get out and about, otherwise, as you get a few more years older, I'm afraid your grandmother won't be able to walk anymore!"

Xiao Huaijin chuckled, "Grandmother, you are in the prime of your life, what brings you here?"

Madam Xiao looked up at Xiao Huaijin, whose features were serene and gentle. She recalled that not long ago, he had been cold and indifferent to her because of that Madam Shen.

This further strengthened his resolve to keep him away from the Shen family.

"Jin'er, how is everything at court lately?" Madam Xiao asked casually. "I heard that Shen Qinghuai of the Ministry of Revenue and Pei Zhixuan of the Censorate are both pleading for that shameless vixen?"

Shameless vixen?

Xiao Huaijin was slightly taken aback at first, and then realized that his grandmother was referring to Shen Yunjiao.

His expression changed instantly, becoming somewhat cold and serious. "Yes."

"The emperor agreed, didn't he?"

"General Yao also spoke up, saying that Princess Pingning hoped that Lady Shen could be part of the dowry. Considering General Yao's wishes, I decided to allow Lady Shen to leave the house for one day after careful consideration," Xiao Huaijin replied calmly.

Seeing that he had a calm expression and spoke of Shen Yunjiao as if she were an insignificant person, Madam Xiao felt a little more at ease.

"Hmph, she does have some tricks up her sleeve. Even after the divorce, she still keeps in touch with her ex-husband's family, like old friends still entangled." Madam Xiao snorted coldly, her face displeased. "This kind of woman is naturally lewd and cunning. She tries to climb into the emperor's bed by relying on her status as a relative of a high-ranking official. If it weren't for her brother, I would have had her beaten to death long ago."

Xiao Huaijin could directly sense the Empress Dowager's disgust for Shen Yunjiao from her eyes and tone.

He had also sent someone to inquire about Madam Shen. Her reputation in the capital was indeed not good. As a wife, she disrespected her mother-in-law and was repeatedly rejected by her husband and sent back to her parents' home. After the divorce, she continued to associate with the heir apparent and the prince of the Northern Hu.

It's understandable that the Empress Dowager disliked this kind of woman.

Xiao Huaijin realized that whenever he thought of the Shen family, his heart would ache uncomfortably.

He always felt that he and the Shen family must have known each other before.

“Jin’er, this woman can only be released for one day. If she’s out for too long, who knows what kind of trouble she might cause.” Seeing that Xiao Huaijin was somewhat distracted, Madam Xiao quickly added.

"Grandson understands."

"Furthermore, I have come here today to obtain the Emperor's approval for another matter." Empress Xiao slowly sat down in the pavilion, while a palace maid beside her gently fanned her with a palm-leaf fan.

She pressed her temple and looked at Xiao Huaijin, who had also taken his seat. "Jin'er, you are now of marriageable age. I didn't force you before because the situation in the court was unstable and it wasn't appropriate to consider matters of love. Now that the country is peaceful and the people of Dayong are living in peace and prosperity, it's time to establish an empress and take concubines."

Xiao Huaijin had no interest in the imperial concubine selection, especially since he was currently so busy with court affairs that he had very little time to rest.

He frowned slightly and said, "Grandmother, I do not wish to marry at this time."

"How can this be? Your Majesty, you are almost twenty. If this continues, what will happen to the issue of offspring? I am longing to hold my great-grandchild." Xiao's face paled with worry. She pressed her temples, looking anxious. "I am getting old now, and naturally I want Jin'er to have a woman by her side who can take care of her and show her warmth."

"Why don't you leave the selection to your grandmother, Jin'er? Your grandmother will help you choose."

Madam Xiao looked at Xiao Huaijin with eager eyes, and when he nodded in agreement with no choice, she immediately smiled broadly.

She already had a list in mind, and was just waiting for Xiao Huaijin's approval before she could start arranging the talent show.